The reigning champions, who secured the league title in dramatic fashion last season, have struggled over the festive period this term, needing a late goal to beat Reading before falling to a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Boxing Day.

The Red Devils also scored late on to secure victory over Newcastle on Wednesday, extending their lead at the top of the table, but things could be even worse for City had Sir Alex Ferguson's men not drawn with Swansea beforehand.

However, the Italian indicated he is still calm despite the large gap, acknowledging that their rivals have the upper hand but insisting that his players will have "no problem" in catching up.